During the spring break, finally we visited Deathvalley National Park – the lowest point (below sea level) in north America.
April was a good time to visit and the weather happened to be perfect. A drive about 450 miles from bay area, i was worried about how kids will be during such a long drive, but both the kids were at their best 🙂 While going we stayed in Lone Pines, about 100 miles before the park and we went almost non-stop (had to stop to fill in gas to cover the last 30 miles or so). Just a note here – you won’t see gas stations for miles on the freeway stretch once you are past Bakersfield and into the Mojave area. So fill up your tank around Bakersfield. Mountains around Lone Pines still had snow on the peaks.
The park has lot of things to offer.  Few differnt varieties of canyons, sand dunes, a mini version of joshua trees, a vista point below sea level (282 feet below sea level) etc etc. Lot of vista points have unpaved road access and some even need high clearance vehicles. So a rental car would be useful 🙂 Also in spring a variety of fish – called pup fish can be seen in the stream that flows in the valley. A very tiny fish but it was fun to see how they dance to mate :). Don’t miss the artist’s drive, Zabraskie Point (nice sunrise/sunset views), Dante’s view – breathtaking view of the valley. All canyon visits need atleast a mile of  walking, but Sanaa did all by herself – without a stroller or being held. I am sure i have forgotten to write few more things that we saw – on a second thought leave it to others to refresh their memories and pen comments here 🙂
Since it’s a desert – there is hardly any greenery, but within the desert is an oasis. And it is absolutely beautiful – called Furnace Creek Area. We stayed here for a night. Surrounded by lush green lawns, palm/date trees around you. A resort with a swimming pool, play area, tennis courts, grocery shop, full service restaurant + pizza place etc etc. They even have huge solar panels to provide electricity to the park. The museum in the furnace creek area is worth a visit as well. A stay in this area is highly recommended. They have both hotel style rooms and campground as well.Â
The other side of the park is closer to Vegas – about 2 hours. So on the way back, we spent some time in Vegas. Ofcourse no gambling here, but Jash did get a glimpse of NewYork, Paris, Venice, Bellagios fountains etc 🙂
And surprisingly the drive back home was as smooth as the way to the park.
Nice summary Bhavini. We liked Death Valley as well when we went some years back during thanksgiving.
There is also a dormant volcano some distance away in the valley and you can climb down to the base. I did it. The climb back up was hard though. There a castle type thing close to the volcano also.
All in all, dont be put off by the name. Do visit Death Valley. It will surprise you.